Many Hands Make Light Work in the Nursery

Undaunted by a sour economy, and assisted by a service-learning scholarship, University of Iowa senior Erin Roth and junior Laura Nutt joined a summer team to Romania. Here are their thoughts about reaching out across the Atlantic to brighten the lives of abandoned babies and toddlers:

“I learned to be open to new ideas…just because you’re used to one way doesn’t mean there isn’t another way to accomplish things. We provided a variety of care for the infants and toddlers - feeding, teaching, diapering and giving them the stimulation, love, and nurturing that they need. Because Global Volunteers sends up to 16 three-week teams of volunteers to Tutova clinic every year, each volunteer’s contribution is matched over and over again throughout the children’s early years so that they receive nearly constant attention and care.

Everyone can make a difference. People make do with what they have. Even though they don’t have much, I thought the clinic was well-run. My experience really opened my eyes to many different career directions I can take….to continue helping children with special needs.

Erin Roth

"I don’t think there is any other word for this than “amazing.” I made friendships with all the nurses and I’m completely in love with all the kids.

Many of the children in Tutova’s clinic arrive shortly after birth, underweight and abandoned. The clinic staff, with the year-around assistance of volunteers, nurtures them back to health and cares for them for about a year, or until they can be reunited with their families. Unfortunately, in 25 percent of the cases, the parents never return. I’ve decided to change my major, so I can (acquire) more knowledge of social work.

Meeting Dr. Dehlia, who manages the clinic and the Tutova Hospital, was a highlight. I was shocked to learn there was only one social worker for the entire rural area…to serve all adults and kids. These difficult realities met us each day in the form of my “designated” baby at the clinic because I became acutely aware of the implications such lack of resources had for the children. Gabriella and I met for only 20 minutes the first day, but she still remembered me the next day. When I came into the clinic in the morning, she saw me and completely lit up! That’s something I’ll never forget!"

Laura Nutt

Caring in the Midst of Recession

When you reduce life to the basics, humans don’t need much to survive – just food, clothing, shelter and, most importantly, a warm smile and gentle touch. Yet in the midst of a worldwide recession, these necessities are beyond the grasp of too many impoverished children. Eastern Kentucky University student Abigail Love offered this recent reflection on volunteering in Romania:

"When I went to Romania, I knew I wanted to spend my life working with children. However, my experience there gave me the confidence I needed to push myself in the field. It was always in me, but Romania really brought it out.

I want to get out and volunteer more now. I’ve always loved giving, but I think I’ve been lost in the hustle of college life. My other summer plans seemed “meaningless” when I reflect on what our team was able to accomplish with the babies and toddlers in Tutova.

This was a wake-up call: that life is truly lived only when one is giving."

Abigail Love